The best gifts for travelers aren't big or flashy. They're small, light things that earn a permanent spot in the bag and get used on every trip. Here are ten ideas for the backpacker, the frequent flyer and the friend who never leaves home without a gym bag, with most landing under $50.
1. Foldable sandals
Every traveler needs something for hostel showers, hotel pools, campground washhouses and gym locker rooms, but regular slides take up too much space. Jimmies foldable sandals fold flat, weigh between 155 g and 230 g with their mesh bag, and clip to the outside of a backpack with the included carabiner.
Gift tip: sizing is unisex and based on insole length. Our sandal size guide makes it easy to pick the right size from their shoe size.
2. A quick-dry microfiber towel
Cotton towels are heavy and stay damp for hours. The DryPack is a full 120 × 60 cm waffle microfiber towel that weighs 200 g and dries fast between uses. Great for hostels, beaches, gyms and camping.
3. A wet/dry organizer
The SplitPack has a waterproof, TPU-lined compartment for wet swimwear, towels and gym clothes, and a separate dry side for toiletries. It weighs 110 g and solves the "where do I put my wet stuff" problem for good.
The DryPack and SplitPack are currently available to US customers. US shoppers can also add both as a Travel Kit bundle when buying sandals.
4. A universal travel adapter
One adapter that covers North American, European, UK and Australian outlets, ideally with a couple of USB ports built in, replaces a tangle of single-country plugs.
5. A compact power bank
Phones do everything on the road now: boarding passes, maps, translation, photos. A slim power bank keeps them alive on long travel days. Most airlines require power banks to go in carry-on luggage rather than checked bags, so a smaller one is easier to fly with.
6. A sleep kit
A contoured eye mask and a pack of good earplugs make overnight flights, bright hotel rooms and snoring hostel roommates far more bearable. Small, cheap and used constantly.
7. A collapsible or insulated water bottle
Empty bottles get through airport security, and refilling beats paying airport prices. Collapsible bottles pack flat, while insulated ones keep drinks cold on long hikes.
8. A Bluetooth luggage tracker
Anyone who's waited at an empty baggage carousel will appreciate being able to see where their bag actually is. Slip one into a checked bag or daypack.
9. Merino wool socks
Merino regulates temperature, dries quickly and resists odour, which means fewer pairs to pack. A good choice for hikers and anyone doing long travel days.
10. A packable daypack
A light daypack that stuffs into its own pocket is perfect for day trips once the main bag is dropped at the hotel. It also doubles as an extra bag for souvenirs on the way home.
How to pick the right one
- For the backpacker: foldable sandals for camp, a microfiber towel and merino socks.
- For the frequent flyer: a sleep kit, a power bank and a luggage tracker.
- For the gym-goer who travels: foldable sandals, a wet/dry organizer and a quick-dry towel. (Here's why shower shoes matter in shared showers.)
- For the carry-on-only minimalist: anything that folds flat. See our ultralight carry-on packing list for more ideas.
FAQ
What's a good gift for someone who travels a lot?
Something small they'll use on every trip: foldable sandals, a quick-dry towel, a universal adapter or a sleep kit. Frequent travelers value anything that saves space and weight.
What if I don't know their sandal size?
Check the size of a pair of their shoes and match it to our size chart. Jimmies also come with 90-day returns, which gives plenty of time after the holidays if the size isn't right.
When should I order holiday gifts?
Earlier is better. Shipping volumes spike in November and December, so ordering ahead gives you a buffer.
Give a gift that goes everywhere. Shop Jimmies foldable sandals, with free shipping on every order and 90-day returns.